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Eskom declares dispute, risk of load shedding remains

Aug 15 2018 20:41

Cash-strapped power utility Eskom is finally tackling the controversial issue of its headcount.

The two largest unions did not want members to be disciplined over unprotected strike action undertaken in the last month.

A mutual interest dispute has been referred by Eskom to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), Eskom said.

Last week, during a meeting convened via the CCMA, the three recognised trade unions agreed in principle to Eskom's three-year wage proposal and conditions of employment, the power utility said.

The offer involved an increase of 7.5% in 2018/19, another 7% in 2019/20 and 7% in 2020/21, an annual cost of living (CPI) adjustment to their housing allowance as well as a once-off cash payment of R10 000.

However, the disciplinary action of members striking in July and August remained a key point of contention and parties deadlocked during talks on Wednesday.

After previous intervention by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, Eskom said it agreed not to discipline members who engaged in unprotected strikes in June.